The Belgorod region in Russia has become a focal point of escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia, as residents report increasingly frequent drone strikes, blackouts, and air-raid sirens. According to local accounts, the sound of gunfire aimed at incoming Ukrainian drones has become a daily occurrence, with Kyiv retaliating against Russian bombardments of its cities. Nina, a Belgorod resident, described the terrifying experience of hearing sirens and explosions while trying to seek shelter. Data from local authorities analyzed by BBC News Russian reveals a nearly fourfold increase in Ukrainian drone attacks on the region since the start of 2025, with over 4,000 drones recorded in September alone. The strikes have targeted key infrastructure, including power plants and substations, leaving thousands without electricity. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has framed these attacks as a direct response to Russia’s ongoing assaults on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Belgorod, a critical logistics hub for Russian forces near the Ukrainian border, has seen its once-unaffected city center now grappling with frequent power outages and fuel shortages. Residents like Ekaterina recount the sudden onset of missile alerts and the ensuing chaos of explosions and darkness. The region’s authorities admit to being overwhelmed, urging residents to purchase backup generators amid a fuel crisis exacerbated by Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries. The introduction of Ukraine’s lightweight ‘Darts’ drones and heavier weapons like Himars rockets has intensified the strikes, overloading Russian air defense systems. For Belgorod residents, the war is no longer a distant conflict but a daily reality, marked by anxiety and uncertainty. As the conflict continues, many, like Yakov, fear that Russia is racing toward an inevitable collapse.